Toronto Blue Jays Take Notice of Shawn Hill's Dominance

Late last week, I reported on former Toronto Blue Jay Shawn Hill and the dominant performances he’s been showcasing as a member of the York Revolution in the Independent Atlantic League.

Hill has put together a scoreless innings streak that has reached 27.2 innings and has caught the eye of numerous scouts. It has been confirmed, via The York Dispatch, that the Blue Jays had purchased his contract from the Revolution.

With the recent string of injuries on the Jays pitching staff, they are in need of all sorts of help. Brandon Morrow is out indefinitely with an oblique strain, Drew Hutchinson is dealing with a right elbow ligament sprain and Kyle Drabek—a huge piece of the Roy Halladay deal—is scheduled for Tommy John surgery for the second time and is likely out for the next 12 to 16 months.

Hill is also recovering from shoulder difficulties. Because of circulation issues, he endured two Tommy John surgeries to go with a stem-cell procedure and radial nerve decompression. Many would give up after that, but Hill, as history has shown, has amazing resilience.

It is unknown when or where Hill will make his debut for Toronto, and it’s unknown if he will be slated in as a starter or assist a bullpen that has been overworked at times this year. Instead of worrying about it, let’s relish the fact that the Jays have brought in a pitcher with experience who has proven he can get major league hitters out.

Independent baseball rarely gets the press it deserves, and some quality players sometimes slip through the cracks. But Hill’s story is why people play the game, and this is why determination and perseverance is second to none.

Devon is the founder and executive director of The GM's Perspective. Heis a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals and Gateway Grizzlies.Currently, Devon is a manager at a financial institution in Northern Ontario, Canada, and can be reached at devon@thegmsperspective.com. You can follow The GM's Perspective on Twitter and Facebook. His full bio can be seen here.